Saab 9 3 S (1998)
1998 Saab 9 3 S
CarHunch analysed 276 real MOT records for the 1998 Saab 9 3 S. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1998 SAAB 9-3 S has a first-time MOT pass rate of 47.9%, well below the UK average of 80%, which means you should expect serious maintenance work before – and potentially between – tests. The dangerous defect rate of 8% is moderate for a car of this age, so while not alarming, it's a genuine concern that warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
At nearly 112,000 miles on average, these cars are showing their age fairly seriously: the 1.01 failures per vehicle and 3.5 advisories suggest wear across multiple systems rather than one dominant weak spot. If you're considering one, budget for immediate repairs and factor in regular, expensive upkeep – this isn't a buy-and-forget classic, but rather a hobby car that demands attention.
What to check before buying a 1998 Saab 9 3 S
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Saab 9 3 S
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 275 | 48% | 1 |
| Diesel (0%) | 1 | 42.9% | 4 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1998 Saab 9 3 S vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1998 Saab 9 3 S vehicles fall between 84,804 and 131,703 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Saab 9 3 S?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.
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